PD13441f 4 20SC MaxSonar WR - Datasheet
PD13441f 4 20SC MaxSonar WR - Datasheet
PD13441f 4 20SC MaxSonar WR - Datasheet
4-20SC-MaxSonar®-WR/WRC™ Series
High Resolution, Precision, IP67 Weather Resistant, Ultrasonic Range Finders
MB7760, MB7769, MB7780, MB77894
The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR sensor line is a high performance ultrasonic precision
rangefinder that provides high accuracy, high resolution ultrasonic range detection in air.
The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR sensor line includes an effective self-cleaning capability
designed to reduce the impact of condensation in closed or high-moisture (dew, frost, etc.)
environments and is a cost-effective solution for automation/process control applications
where precision range-finding, low-voltage operation, space saving, low cost and IP67
weather resistance is needed. This sensor component allows users of other more costly
precision rangefinders to lower the cost of their systems without sacrificing performance. The sensor output works with
existing PLC equipment and is also suitable for applications with long cable runs. The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR/WRC
sensor line features 1.6-mm resolution, superior rejection of outside noise sources, internal speed-of-sound temperature
compensation and optional external speed-of-sound temperature compensation. The sensors are factory calibrated to
provide stable and reliable range readings. With a maximum range of 5 meters, these ultrasonic sensors detect objects
from 5-mm and ranges to objects from 50-cm to maximum range. Objects closer than 50-cm are typically reported as 50-
cm (See Close Range Operation).
Precision Ultrasonic Range Easy to Use Component • Operating temperature range
Sensing • Robust and easy to use interface from -40°C to +65°C
• A fraction of the cost of other • Excellent noise rejection • Operating voltage from 10V to 32V
precision rangefinders • Small and easy to mount • IP67 rated
• Factory-matched accuracy provides a • Stable, reliable range readings Applications & Uses
typical accuracy of 1% or better of • Target size compensation provides •
Automated process control systems
distance to target1 greater consistency and accuracy •
Tank level measurement
• Reading-to-reading stability of • Auto handles acoustic noise1,3 •
Weather station monitoring
1.6-mm at 1-meter is typical1 • Calibrated sensor eliminates most •
Bin level measurement
• Compensation for target size sensor-to-sensor variations Corn level measurement1
•
variation and operating voltage range General Characteristics •
Proximity zone detection
• Temperature compensation is • 4-20mA with ~1.6mm resolution •
People detection
standard • Refresh rate of ~0.60Hz Robot ranging •
• Additional chemical resistance • Determines range to largest object •
Long range object detection
available2 (MB7769, MB7789) •
Environments with acoustic and
Low Power Requirements • Determines range to first detectable electric noise
• Average power draw of ~70mA object (MB7760, MB7767, MB7780, • Height monitors
• Other interfaces (non4-20mA) MB7787) • Auto sizing
available with lower current draw • Excellent clutter rejection • Box dimensions
• Flexible, low supply voltage • Low-cost ultrasonic rangefinder Notes
1
requirements simplifies battery • Resolution of ~1.6-mm 2
Users to evaluate the sensor performance
F-Option provides added protection from hazardous
powered designs • Distance from 50-cm to 5-meters chemical environments
• Low current draw reduces current • Excellent MTBF of > 200,000 hrs.
3
4
By design
Please reference page 12 for part number key
drain for battery operation • Superior noise rejection4
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4-20SC-MaxSonar® -WR™ Series
4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR/WRC General Operation
The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR ultrasonic sensors are in-air, non-contact, object detection and ranging sensors that detect
objects within an area. These sensors are not affected by the color or other visual characteristics of the detected object.
Ultrasonic sensors use high frequency sound to detect and localize objects in a variety of environments. Ultrasonic sensors
measure the time of flight for sound that has been transmitted to and reflected back from nearby objects. Based on the
time of flight, the sensor outputs a distance value.
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4-20SC-MaxSonar® -WR™ Series
About Ultrasonic Sensors
The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR ultrasonic sensors are in-air, non-contact object detection and ranging sensors that detect
objects within an area. These sensors are not affected by the color or other visual characteristics of the detected object.
Ultrasonic sensors use high frequency sound to detect and localize objects in a variety of environments. Ultrasonic sensors
measure the time of flight for sound that has been transmitted to and reflected back from nearby objects. Based upon the
time of flight, the sensor outputs a range reading.
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Base Sensor (MB7760 & MB7780)
The MB7760 and MB7780 sensors are the base models of the 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR sensor line. These general purpose
sensors are recommended unless specific requirements indicate other sensors may be a better fit for the application. All
other sensors in this series are based off of these sensor models. The additional features are mentioned in their respective
sections below.
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4-20SC-MaxSonar-WRM (MB7769 & MB7789)
The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WRM sensors comes with the self-cleaning and most-likely filter features.
In general, the 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WRM sensors will select the largest target from its field of view and report its range.
Even so, objects up close may provide significantly greater returns over distant objects. Users are encouraged to test the
sensor in their application to verify usability.
4-20SC-MaxSonar-WRM sensors should not be used in multiple sensor operation.
MaxBotix recommends choosing the 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WRM sensors for applications that are in high-moisture
environments, or which are vulnerable to occasional condensation. These sensors are IP67 rated, so water or ice will not
damage the sensor.
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Self-Cleaning Description
The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR sensors feature a self-cleaning protocol which gently heats the face of the transducer, and
atomizes any moisture or condensation on the sensor’s transducer face. This feature allows the sensor to be used in a wide
variety of applications that may experience condensation issues. Self-cleaning is needed for many such applications due to
detection performance limitations resulting from condensation, including only reporting the minimum or maximum
reported distance.
Condensation is frequently an issue in tanks because the sensor is typically mounted at the top of the tank, above a
warmer liquid. On clear nights or cold nights, this causes the sensor hardware to be colder than its surrounding
environment, causing condensation to build up on the surface of the exposed sensor hardware. This can also occur in some
buildings, depending on climate control.
The reason that condensation affects sensors is fairly straightforward. Sensors determine distance to targets, even if that
target is on the surface of the transducer. Targets (condensation, solid particles, etc.) on the transducer face will impede
sensor operation. These targets will either be detected or cause a reduction in the sensitivity of the sensor. The self-
cleaning operation is designed to prevent and remove buildup of moisture from the surface of the transducer. For proper
self-cleaning, the sensor must remain on, and continue normal ranging operation.
The self-cleaning feature is only designed for moisture, not removal of dust or other solid particles. Multiple sensor
operation is not possible with the self-cleaning 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR sensors.
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4-20SC-MaxSonar® -WR™ Series
About Package Types
The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR sensors are available in a variety of packages for applications with specific mounting
requirements. The full horn package provides peak accuracy and sensitivity in this sensor line. It is recommended that
testing is completed to ensure that the selected sensor will operate as desired in your application.
Package Types Currently Available
Full Horn – 3/4” NPT straight; back mounted thread (best performance)
Compact – 3/4” NPT straight; back mounted thread
1”NPS – External thread over full sensor body (1”NPS)
1”BSPP – External thread over full sensor body (1”BSPP)
30mm1.5 – External thread over full sensor body (30mm1.5)
All package types have exposed PCB on user end for easy connection.
Users desiring a fully enclosed assembly may purchase the “Shielded
Cable Option” along with their sensor.
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Performance Changes when Selecting a Non-Full Horn Package
When selecting a 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR sensor without the full horn the sensor will experience the following
performance changes:
The sensor will have a wider beam shape for the first meter.
The sensor may be less accurate by an additional +/- 0.5%.
The sensor may have a dead zone from 0mm–500mm.
The sensor may have worse performance to small or soft targets.
The sensor may experience decreased noise immunity when ranging to small, soft, angled, or distant targets.
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Range Zero Location
In general, the 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR sensors report the range to the leading edge of the closest detectable object. Target
detection is characterized in the sensor beam patterns.
The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR reports the range to distant targets from where the threading and nut meet on the sensor
housing as shown in the diagrams below.
Range Zero
0.0 mm Target Face
The range is measured from where the housing meets the threading.
Range Zero
0.0 mm Target Face
The range is measured from the front of the sensor.
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4-20SC-MaxSonar® -WR™ Series
Mechanical Dimensions Continued
3/4” National Pipe Thread Straight
A 2.87” 72.9 mm
B 1.72” dia. 43.8 mm dia.
C 0.31” 7.9 mm I
A D 0.58” 14.4 mm J
C D E E 2.00” 50.7 mm K
F
F 0.31” 7.9 mm Pin 1
Pin 1 G 0.10” 2.54 mm
H 3/4” NPS
I 1.37” dia. 34.8 mm dia.
B
G J 1.03” dia. 26.2 mm dia. L M
K 0.41” 10.3 mm
H L 0.78” 19.81 mm dia.
M 0.62” 15.76 mm
weight, 1.89 oz., 53.5 grams
values are nominal
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4-20SC-MaxSonar® -WR™ Series
Temperature Compensation
The speed of sound in air increases by approximately 0.6 meters per second, per degree centigrade. An external
temperature sensor (supplied Dongle or optional HR-MaxTemp) allows for immediate and accurate temperature
compensation. Optionally, the 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR has a built in temperature sensor.
Using the Attached Temperature Sensor Dongle
The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR includes an attached temperature sensor dongle. This dongle allows immediate and accurate
temperature sensing of the air temperature at the sensor. This provides a typical accuracy of 1.5%, (excluding major
temperature changes along the measurement path).
Using the External HR-MaxTemp — External Temperature Sensor
The temperature measured at the sensor itself may not match the air temperature of the full path between the sensor and
the target. For example, sensors can be mounted in vertical applications or applications where the environment
temperature gradient is severe. Users may experience a temperature measurement error which will affect the sensor
accuracy. For example, buildings with a height of 3-meters can have floor-to-ceiling temperature variations of 5°C or
more. Because of these temperature effects, users desiring the highest accuracy output are encouraged to use an external
temperature mounted midway between the target and the sensor.
For best results in these appliations, users are encouraged to remove the dongle and connect the HR-MaxTemp sensor
midway between the 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR and the expected target. (Remove the dongle and attach the HR-MaxTemp.
This provides a typical distance accuracy of 1% or better.
Using the Optional Internal Temperature Sensor
The temperature dongle can be removed and the sensor repowered to enable the internal temperature sensor. This internal
temperature sensor does not track the temperature changes as well as the external temperature sensors. Even so, if there
are significant changes in temperature from the air around the back of the sensor (where the dongle is located) to the air in
front of the sensor (where the transducer is located) and an external HR-MaxTemp is not practical for your application,
using the internal temperature sensor is the best option. After a power up, the typical distance accuracy will be 6%.
4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR Self-Heating
The operational characteristics of the sensor cause a natural self-heating effect. Because of the variability in the
self-heating effect caused by changes in current output, the accuracy of the internal temperature sensor is limited. While
the sensor will compensate for most of the self-heating effects, the surrounding environment and mounting can affect the
amount of self heating.
Power cycling the sensor may cause self-heating effects that cannot be predicted by the sensor’s data algorithms. It’s
recommended to run the sensor continuously. This steady-state operation helps to minimize reading-to-reading variability
by increasing the stability of the internal temperature of the sensor.
Sensors with different output choices that are not subject to this self-heating effect are also available from MaxBotix.
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4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR Sensor Operation
The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR sensors are designed to be used in a variety of outdoor industrial environments or indoor
environments. Many acoustic noise sources have little to no effect on the reported range of the 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR
sensors. Most range readings are accurately reported. If the range readings are affected, it’s typically less than 5-mm. This
allows users to employ real-time ultrasonic distance sensing without the need for additional supporting circuitry or
complex user software.
Multiple 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR sensors can be operated in the same general locations. The internal noise filter is able to
filter out the ultrasonic noise from other 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR sensors with minimal interference. Typically, when
operating with multiple sensors, the range readings will be within ±1 cm of the actual range to the intended target.
The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR sensors use an internal filter to process range data. This filter improves the sensor’s
performance for accuracy, noise rejection and reading-to-reading stability. The filtering during operation also permits
additional acoustic and electric noise tolerance. This filter is applied to all readings.
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Sensor Timing / Power-Up Timing
A. Power-Up timing begins when a voltage above 10V is maintained for the sensor.
B. After a ~125mS delay the sensor will idle at a low current state (4mA).
C. The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR is has data available for the user ~345mS after power-up.
D. Range data is sent every ~1.687 seconds thereafter, meaning that after the initial power-up, the sensor refresh rate is
0.60Hz.
The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR series sensors use an internal filter to process range data. This filter improves the sensor’s
performance for accuracy, noise rejection and reading-to-reading stability. This filter responds to rapid large changes in
target position. This filter does not affect the speed at which data is made available to the user, but allows for more
consistent range information.
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Custom Solutions
We have the ultrasonic sensor for you! If you don't find the product for your specific application, contact us, and our
engineers will work with you for your custom solution. Our in-house engineering department can design and manufacture
custom solutions which are subject to a small NRE fee. Some of these custom solutions may later be incorporated into our
standard products.
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4-20SC-MaxSonar® -WR™ Series
Auto Calibration
The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR series sensor auto calibrates each time it takes a range reading. The sensor then uses this data
to range objects. If the temperature, humidity or applied voltage changes during sensor operation the sensor will continue
to function normally over the rated temperature range while applying compensation for changes caused by temperature
and voltage.
Target Size Compensation
Most low-cost ultrasonic rangefinders report the range to smaller size targets as farther than the actual distance. They may
also report the range to larger size targets as closer than the actual distance.
The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR sensor line compensates for target size differences. This means that, provided an object is
large enough to be detected, the sensor will report the same distance regardless of target size. Smaller targets can have
additional detection noise that may limit this feature. In addition, targets with small or rounded surfaces may have an
apparent distance that is slightly farther, where the distance reported may be a composite of the sensed object(s).
Supply Voltage Compensation
During power-up the 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR sensor line auto calibrates for changes in supply voltage. The sensor also
compensates if the supplied voltage gradually changes.
The sensor requires noise free power for best operation. If the sensor is used with noise on the supplied power or ground,
the readings may be affected. In general, the 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR will not be affected by supply voltage changes
provided the voltage applied remains above 10V.
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Sensor Minimum Distance
The MB7760 and MB7780 are the base models of the 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR sensor line. Sensors based on the MB7760
have a relative zero set at 4mA (4mA = 500 mm; 20mA = 5000 mm), and the sensors based on the MB7780 have a
relative zero of 20mA (20mA = 500 mm; 4mA = 5000 mm).
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Beam Patterns Background
Each 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR sensor has a calibrated beam pattern. Each sensor is matched to provide People Sensing
the approximate detection pattern shown in this datasheet. This allows users to select the part number For users who
that matches their given sensing application. Each part number has a consistent field of detection so need to detect
additional units of the same part number will have similar beam patterns. The beam patterns are people, the
provided to help identify an estimated detection zone for an application based on the acoustic detection area to
properties of a target. the 1-inch
diameter dowel
Each beam pattern is a 2D representation of the detection area of the sensor. The beam pattern is generally
actually shaped like a 3D cone (having the same pattern both vertically and horizontally). Beam represents the
patterns for dowels are used to show the beam pattern of each sensor. Dowels are long cylindrical area that the
targets of a given diameter. The dowels provide consistent target detection characteristics for a given sensor will
size target which allows easy comparison of one MaxSonar sensor to another MaxSonar sensor. reliably detect
For each part number, the four patterns (A, B, C and D) represent the detection zone for a given target people.
size. Each beam pattern shown is determined by the sensor’s part number and target size.
The actual beam angle changes over the full range. Use the beam pattern for a specific target at any given distance to
calculate the beam angle for that target at the specific distance. Generally, smaller targets are detected over a narrower
beam angle and a shorter distance. Larger targets are detected over a wider beam angle and a longer distance.
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4-20SC-MaxSonar® -WR™ Series
MB7760-MB7780 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR Beam Pattern & Uses
The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WR product line has a narrow sensor beam that provides reliable long range detection zones.
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MB7769-MB7789 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WRM Beam Pattern & Uses
The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WRM product line has a narrow sensor beam that provides reliable long range detection zones.
This sensor also features the Most-Likely filter that reports the range to the target with the largest acoustic reflection.
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MB776X-MB778X 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WRC Beam Pattern & Uses
The 4-20SC-MaxSonar-WRC product line is available in alternative housings that include a compact WRC housing,
1” NPS, 1” BSPP, and 30mm1.5 threading.
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4-20SC-MaxSonar® -WR™ Series
Part Numbers
All part numbers are a combination of a six-character base followed by a dash and a three-digit product code.
Please review the following table for more information on the three-digit product code.
Note: Active part numbers listed on page 13 and 14.
M B 7 7 X X - 1 0 0
Base Housing Options Wire
7 30MM 1.5
8 Extended Horn
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The following tables display all of the active and valid part numbers for these products.
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The legacy part numbers MB7767 and MB7787 are now contained within MB7760 and MB7780 which are the base
for all housing options on these products. To select a product with a legacy part number, select the desired housing
option on the product with the appropriate base. Please review the following table for more information.
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After reviewing this datasheet, do you have any more questions?
We offer Technical Support on all of our products even if you purchased them through one of our many vendors
worldwide.
You can fill out a Technical Support form for assistance on a sensor here --> Technical Support
We offer Sensor Selection Assistance, click the link here to fill out a form for support --> Sensor Selection Help
We receive many questions about our products and services. This resource offers answers to common inquiries
we receive about our product lines and their application.
All of our sensors are factory calibrated to provide consistent beam patterns, detection zones, to fit into a wide
variety of applications. In our product lines, each model number comes with a different beam pattern that reflects
the sensitivity and the detection zone of how it sees a target. Additionally, we strive to maintain consistency be-
tween our finished products, and you will see little to no deviation between sensors of the same model. This al-
lows you to have confidence in your final application when using multiple sensors.
The success of an application may hinge upon knowing the exact location of a target. However, a sensor may
report one meter even if the target is not exactly one meter away from the sensor. Sensor specifications, such as
resolution, precision, and accuracy, help you to understand sensor performance.
This guide covers three ways to run your sensors in a Multiple Sensor environment and issues you may face.
Please call during our preferred business hours of 8:00 am – 4:30 pm EST on Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am –
2:00 pm EST on Friday, or you may leave us a voicemail anytime.
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